LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Trainer Brad Cox confirmed his horse, Encino, will not run in the 150th Kentucky Derby, according to Kevin Kerstein, a publicist for Churchill Downs.
The reason for the scratch is unknown. In it's Derby update for Tuesday, April 30, Churchill Downs said Encino was out "after being off after training this morning."
It is the first scratch for this year’s Run for the Roses, paving the way for Epic Ride to join the field for Saturday’s race. Encino was a longshot to win, with 20-1 odds. He was one of three entries from Cox in this year’s Kentucky Derby.
The Daily Racing Form's David Grening spoke to Cox who said the horse has a soft tissue strain, but would be fine.
Encino's scratch leaves Cox with early 8-1 third-choice Catching Freedom and Just a Touch for the 1 1/4-mile race.
Epic Ride is trained by John Ennis and came in third in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 6. The morning line for Epic Ride was 50-1.
Ennis says the colt will continue his normal training plus have some gate and paddock schooling. On Tuesday, Epic Ride jogged a mile in the morning.
Adam Beschizza will make his Derby debut in the saddle.
This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.